Responding to HM Treasury’s announcement today (Sunday) of a National Retraining Scheme, to be developed by government, trade unions and business, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Every worker deserves the opportunity to improve their skills and get qualified for better-paid work.

“The fourth industrial revolution will transform working lives. With workers are already worried about what Brexit means for jobs and livelihoods, we must make digitalisation an opportunity – not another threat. That means urgently improving Britain’s poor record on investment and productivity, and retraining the workforce with upgraded skills on an unprecedented scale.

“The TUC wants all workers to get the support and security they need through the changes to come. Everyone, in every corner of the country, needs the chance to learn, win promotion, and boost their pay packets. We welcome the proposal that government, trade unions and business get around the table to tackle Britain’s great skills challenge, and we look forward to learning more details.”